Functional Connectivity of Jaguars Across the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor Reveals Spatial Heterogeneity and Restoration Priorities

Context Habitat fragmentation reduces connectivity and constrains species movement across landscapes, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Ecological corridors are widely proposed to maintain functional connectivity, yet evaluating their effectiveness across large and heterogeneous regions remains challenging in landscape ecology. Objectives We assessed functional connectivity across the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor (ABC), a ~ 3,000 km corridor linking the Amazon and Cerrado biomes in central Brazil. Specifically, we aimed to identify areas of concentrated movement flow and connectivity constraints for jaguars ( Panthera onca ) and evaluate spatial variation in connectivity along the corridor. Methods Connectivity was modeled using omnidirectional circuit theory (Omniscape) based on resistance surfaces derived from land use, infrastructure, and habitat configuration. Resistance values were informed by telemetry from 16 GPS-collared jaguars monitored between 2011 and 2025. Connectivity outputs were integrated with vegetation cover and morphological spatial pattern analysis to classify landscape structure and movement flow. Results Fifteen of the 16 monitored jaguars used the corridor, indicating its importance for regional movement. Connectivity varied strongly along the corridor. The Mid-Araguaia region in the Cerrado biome showed the highest connectivity, whereas the Amazonian midsection exhibited the lowest connectivity and strongest fragmentation. Integrating current flow with vegetation-cover thresholds revealed connectivity strongholds, stepping-stone systems, and movement-constrained zones. Several areas with moderate vegetation cover showed high movement flow, indicating priority targets for restoration. Conclusions Connectivity across the ABC is spatially heterogeneous and influenced by landscape structure and land-use intensity. Combining omnidirectional connectivity modeling with telemetry data provides a framework for identifying conservation and restoration priorities in large ecological corridors.